By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SP)
 
Panaji, Nov 1: The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to launch an anti-off shore casino agitation in the state, by the end of November this year.

"As Pale constituency by-election is round the corner, we are barred from holding any agitations or demonstrations, as per the model code of conduct. We will set off our agitation against the off-shore casinos, once the election comes to an end," the leader of Opposition in the state assembly Manohar Parrikar told reporters here today.

The BJP had initiated the anti-off shore casinos movement last month, holding a candle light protest at Casino Goa, the first ever floating gambling den.

Goa is the only Indian state to have off-shore casinos that are set up on the ships and operating in the Mandovi river water.

"The BJP opposes casinos in all its forms. Some hotels in the state have turned into gambling dens, by illegally operating the casinos," Parrikar alleged.

He added, that the state BJP will chalk out a comprehensive programme of agitation against the off-shore casinos.

The BJP has been opposing the off-shore casinos, claiming that they attract gamblers to the state in the guise of tourism and also have the potential to turn the tiny coastal state into Macau and Las Viegas.

Goa has granted licences to two off-shore casinos that operate in the Mandovi river water. The state government has adopted a cabinet resolution to have a total of six off-shore casinos.